James Tarkowski of Burnley during the Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley. Picture date: 21st December 2020. Picture credit should read: Simon Bellis/Sportimage PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK SPI-0817-0063
According to Eurosport (h/t The Star), Leicester City have shown interest in James Tarkowski. With just 18 months left on his current contract and his reluctance to sign a new one, he has attracted plenty of attention from clubs such as West Ham and several other unnamed clubs.
The 28-year-old English centre-back started his youth career at Blackburn Rovers in 1999 but moved to Oldham after 10 years, with a spell at Maine Road FC in between.
Promoted to the senior side in 2011, he went on to play 89 games for them before moving to Brentford in 2014. In the two seasons he spent there, he made 74 appearances, scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists (source – Transfermarkt).
Ever since he joined Burnley, he has been one of their best players. He has been rock-solid at the back, often providing the last line of defence. So far, he has made 152 appearances for the Clarets, scoring 5 and assisting 3. Tarkowski chose to represent England despite having the choice to play for Poland. He has two appearances for the Three Lions so far.
It would seem absurd to think that Leicester would need another established center-back, especially after signing Wesley Fofana so recently. They also have Caglar Soyuncu to partner him. Lest we forget, there’s Jonny Evans and Wes Morgan to back them up.
Yet, they could use another established Premier League experienced centre-back. Morgan is 36 and Evans is 32. They are not getting any younger and with such a young duo like Fofana and Soyuncu still getting to grips, having an experienced man is very important. Not just for guidance, but also quality and depth.
James Tarkowski has been a rock in the last couple of seasons as Burnley have built a reputation of being one of the most robust teams to break down in the league. His rugged defending, dogged tackling, all make for some of the best things for a Premier League defender to have.
He is at an age where he can take the mantle of leadership in defence. These are his peak years as a player and Leicester would be wise to take advantage of his situation at Burnley.